News file photo Wilson Township Fire Department firefighter Kaitlyn Jobin, left, assists James Kelly crawl through an inflatable smokehouse at Family Fun Day during the Michigan Brown Trout Festival.

ALPENA – Families can enjoy a free afternoon of activities, free school supplies, and hands-on learning when Kids Day returns to the Michigan Brown Trout Festival on Sunday.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Alpena Marina under the Veolia Big Tent and the surrounding area.

It is presented by PNC Bank and Meijer and hosted in partnership with the Alpena Boys and Girls Club.

The day combines festival fun with practical support for the upcoming school year. Between 30 and 40 vendors will set up stations where children can participate in activities and leave with school supplies. PNC Bank donated $5,000 toward the supplies, and each child will receive a bag to take home.

“A free lunch is provided by Meijer, who also sponsors the event,” said Raelynn Szatkowski, vice president of the Brown Trout Festival. “There will be different in-school and out-of-school resources available, as well as extracurricular activities the kids can sign up for. No matter what station they go to, the kids leave with something that contributes to either learning or setting them up for a successful school year.”

A new feature this year allows community members with a valid driver’s license to test drive one of three vehicles provided by Dean Arbour Ford. For each completed test drive, the dealership will donate $30 to the Alpena Boys and Girls Club to support its educational programs and lunch program.

Fire safety education will be a highlight, thanks to the Thunder Bay Firefighters Association. The group will bring three or four fire trucks and an inflatable safety house that teaches children hands-on techniques in a fun, non-threatening environment.

The organization focuses on fire training for area departments and fire prevention education, particularly with local elementary schools over the past three years.

“About two years ago we bought an inflatable bounce house; however, the name is misleading, because there is no bouncing,” said Kevin Galloway, president of the Thunder Bay Firefighters Association. “It inflates like a bounce house, but the ground is flat rubber, and it has five bedrooms. Each one has a different station, and we teach the kids different hands-on safety techniques.”

It takes children about 10 minutes to move through the house. A smoke machine adds realism depending on the ages of participants. Last year, more than 800 children took part.

The firefighters also plan to show children their equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus masks in a relaxed setting.

“One thing we really try to focus on is our self-contained breathing apparatus masks,” Galloway said. “They can be intimidating for younger children, so we try to show them it’s nothing to be scared of in a non-stressful situation.”

“We will also have three or four fire trucks that will be there,” he added. “We will be teaching the kids about the trucks and some of our equipment.”

The Brown Trout Festival runs July 17-26 and features fishing tournaments, live music, and family activities at the Alpena Marina.

Kids Day is one of several efforts to make the event welcoming for families and to introduce younger generations to outdoor traditions and community resources.

Organizers encourage families to attend and take advantage of the free activities, supplies and educational opportunities. For the latest schedule and updates, visit browntroutfestival.com or follow the Michigan Brown Trout Festival on social media.